Coming into the third ODI of the three-match series against South Africa, Australia had already lost the series by a 0-2 margin. They decided to turn the tables as their captain, Mitchell Marsh, won the toss and decided to bat first on a surface which looked firm for batting at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. 

Cooper Connolly, during their huge defense of 431 runs against the Proteas in the second innings, bowled superbly at the touring batters, who didn’t have much idea of the spin. Earlier, the top three batters, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Cameron Green, along with another fifty from Alex Carey, fired the Aussies to 431/2 in their allotted 50 overs in the first innings.

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Connolly’s first wicket of the evening came against Tony de Zorzi, who got out on 33 runs in 30 balls, with the help of six boundaries. The left-handed batter rocked back and pulled the short ball into the hands of Carey at deep mid-wicket as the opponents lost their fifth wicket of the second innings.

Cooper Connolly overtakes Shane Warne to register best bowling record as Australia spinner

Three overs later, Connolly caged the huge wicket of Dewald Brevis for 49 runs in 28 balls with the help of two boundaries and five sixes. The right-handed batter couldn’t exactly get under the bat of the flat delivery. He tried to smash the big shot but couldn’t get the elevation right and found Cameron Green, who was tall enough to stop the ball.

Marnus Labuschagne grabbed a stunning catch as Wiaan Mulder couldn’t believe his luck. The third umpire checked the catch several times before showing the red light. When he stumped out Keshav Maharaj, who used his feet to find himself short of the wicket-keeper, Connolly celebrated his five-wicket haul.

The spinner finished with a fine figure of 5/22 in six overs at an economy rate of 3.70. This is now Australia’s best bowling figure by a spinner in the men’s ODIs, as he went past the late great Shane Warne, who ended with fine figures of 5/33 in the innings.  

Australia produced a record-breaking performance in the third ODI against South Africa, clinching victory by a massive 276-run margin to seal a dominant win. After losing the series 2-1, the Aussies ensured they ended on a high with one of their finest batting displays in recent times. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Australia’s top order dismantled South Africa’s bowling attack. The Proteas, who had already secured the series, were left helpless against the relentless aggression and precision shown by Australia’s batters.

The innings was set up by Travis Head’s blistering knock of 142 off just 103 balls, studded with 17 boundaries and 5 sixes. His partnership with captain Mitchell Marsh laid the perfect foundation for a massive total. Marsh himself struck a composed 100 off 106 balls, showcasing his ability to anchor and accelerate at will. Their 250-run stand for the first wicket left South Africa searching for breakthroughs before both fell in quick succession.

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Once Head and Marsh departed, Cameron Green capitalized on the solid base, unleashing one of his most destructive innings in ODI cricket. Green hammered 118 off 55 deliveries at a strike rate of 214.55, striking 6 fours and 12 sixes. Alongside Alex Carey’s brisk 50 not out, the duo ensured Australia crossed the 400-mark with ease. Finishing at 431/2 in 50 overs, it was Australia’s second-highest ODI total ever and an almost insurmountable challenge for the visitors.

South Africa fell short of target by 276 runs

In reply, South Africa’s batting faltered under pressure. The early dismissals of Aiden Markram (2), Ryan Rickelton (11), and captain Temba Bavuma (19) left them reeling at 39/3 within six overs. Dewald Brevis showed some resistance with a 28-ball 49, displaying his trademark power hitting, but his dismissal sparked another collapse. None of the other batters could build partnerships, as wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals against a disciplined Australian bowling attack.

Cooper Connolly was the star with the ball, returning figures of 5/25 in six overs, dismantling South Africa’s middle and lower order. Abbott and Bartlett provided key breakthroughs with two wickets each, while Zampa chipped in with one. South Africa were bowled out for just 155 in 24.5 overs, losing by a huge 276 runs. Though South Africa claimed the series 2-1, Australia’s statement win reminded the cricketing world of their depth, power, and ability to bounce back strongly in any conditions.

Australia after losing to India in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the team had a good tournament, unexpected news Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODI cricket.  

Smith is known for his success and best solid defense in Test cricket, but he has also been a key player in ODIs, scoring 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28 in 170 matches. He played an important role at the top of the order, keeping the innings steady in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.  

After Smith retired, Australia had to find someone to take his place. Replacing a three-time World Cup winner won’t be easy, and whoever takes responsibility in crucial times.

Three players who could take his role in the ODIs:

3. Matthew Short

Matthew Short could be the best option to replace Steve Smith in the ODI team. Though he has been opening the batting lately, he might also be considered for the number three spot and he is Capable to do things like Steve Smith. He has the skills and technique to play a similar role to Smith, he has a great chance for him to prove himself.  

Short has played 15 ODIs for Australia, scoring 280 runs, including two half-centuries one of them against England in the Champions Trophy. Besides his batting, he can also bowl handy off-spin, adding extra options in spin to the team.  

Short has already made a big impact with the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL. With his all-around abilities, he could be a strong choice to replace Steve Smith for the number three position in ODIs.

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2. Cooper Connolly

Cooper Connolly is a young talent and skilled player in Australian cricket. The 21-year-old all-rounder hasn’t had the best start to his international career yet, but he has done well in domestic Cricket and BBL. He’s a strong batter and can also bowl left-arm spin.  

Cooper Connolly has played only four ODIs so far, but his performances in first-class cricket and the Big Bash League have been impressive. He had a great BBL season with the Perth Scorchers, scoring 351 runs at an average of 50.14. With his skills and potential, he could be a good option for Australia to develop for Steve Smith’s role in the ODI team.

1. Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne has been a good player in the middle order, but with Steve Smith retiring, he could move up to take the number three spot and he has that Capability to play in NO.3. He has skills and he played so many Crucial games in tough times, not just in ODIs but also in Test cricket. Marnus Labuschagne is known for his stylish shots and ability to play long innings, making him a strong option to replace Smith.  

Labuschagne played 63 matches, scoring 1,869 runs at an average of 35.94, with two centuries and 12 half-centuries in ODIs. With his batting and leadership potential, he could also be a future captain for the Australian team.